28 April 2014

PRESS RELEASE – Imeka Solutions, a spin-out of the Université de Sherbrooke and a leader in the development of advanced image processing tools for analysis of diffusion MRI data, announces today that its diffusion MRI imaging solution will be incorporated in the services offered by Biospective Inc., a leading provider of imaging and histopathology services.

Via this synergistic relationship, Biospective will incorporate Imeka’s state-of-the-art diffusion image processing into its PIANO™ and NIGHTWING™ software packages to provide the industry-leading solution for analysis of diffusion MRI data for animal and human studies. The complementary technologies and expertise of Imeka and Biospective will provide sponsors with a one-stop shop for multi-modality MRI (diffusion, anatomical ASL, BOLD fMRI, MRS) and PET (Amyloid, FDG) studies. The unique capacity of Imeka and Biospective to support both preclinical (animal) imaging studies and multi-center human clinical trials is a distinct advantage which will facilitate translational studies.

According to Maxime Descoteaux, Chief Science Officer of Imeka and Professor of Computer Science at the Université de Sherbrooke, “We are excited to work closely with Biospective to supply sponsors with the most advanced techniques for diffusion MRI analysis available today.  Imeka has developed cutting-edge tools for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and high-angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) reconstruction methods, as well as deterministic and probabilistic fiber tractography.  Combined with Biospective’s expertise and solid track-record of CNS MRI and PET studies in both animals and humans, we will be able to provide sponsors with a comprehensive solution for their imaging needs.”   Dr. Descoteaux will be providing a detailed overview of diffusion MRI and fiber tractography techniques as part of Biospective’s free “Brain Imaging Webinar Series” on Monday May 5, 2014 at 2 p.m. EDT (http://www.biospective.com/webinars).

Imeka is an innovative start-up in the Life Sciences key sector of Sherbrooke. It is supported by Sherbrooke Innopole and the Accélérateur de création d’entreprises technologiques (ACET) of Université de Sherbrooke.

“The number of studies employing diffusion MRI is growing exponentially.  The need for fully-automated tools for high-throughput and unbiased processing and analysis of diffusion MRI is critical.  The combined strengths of the Imeka and Biospective teams will provide sponsors with a best-in-class solution for diffusion imaging studies across a broad range of therapeutic areas, ranging from neurodevelopmental disorders (autism, ADHD, MPS) to neurodegenerative (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, MS) and psychiatric (schizophrenia, depression) diseases,” said Alan Evans, Ph.D., Founder of Biospective Inc. and James McGill Professor of Neurology & Neurosurgery at the Montreal Neurological Institute.  “The scientific expertise of Imeka’s team complements Biospective’s existing strengths in MRI and PET image acquisition, processing, and statistical analysis.  Sophisticated techniques, such as fiber tractography, allow for anatomical connectivity studies.  When combined with Biospective’s expertise in functional and metabolic connectivity, we will be able to provide our sponsors with the ability to thoroughly interrogate the effects of disease processes and therapeutic intervention on brain networks.”

Imeka and Biospective have already successfully worked together on several sponsored-studies.  Further, they have recently engaged in joint R&D activities to analyze diffusion MRI data from several publicly-available databases, including the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) and the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI).  Preliminary results of this collaborative effort will be presented at the 3^rd Annual “Translational Imaging in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases Symposium” in Montreal this September.

About Imeka Solutions

Imeka is a spin-out of the Université de Sherbrooke, the Sherbrooke University Hospital (CHUS) research center. The Sherbrooke based company specializes in analysis and visualisation of medical imaging. Imeka’s co-founder, Dr. Maxime Descoteaux, is an internationally-recognized leader in the development of advanced image processing tools for analysis of diffusion MRI data.  Imeka has a suite of software solutions for HARDI reconstruction and fiber tractography.

About Biospective Inc.

Biospective is an industry-leading provider of state-of-the-art imaging and histopathology services for animal and human studies.  Biospective’s technology portfolio includes PIANO™ (human brain MRI and PET image processing), NIGHTWING™ (rodent brain MRI processing), and PERMITS™ (quantitative analysis of digital histology and immunohistochemistry data).  Biospective’s technologies and world-class scientific expertise facilitate the advancement of translational research studies for industry and academic sponsors.